DE102019114992A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHORIZED REMOVAL OF CHARGING DEVICES - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method and system for authorized removal of chargers. An exemplary method of removing a charger includes, among other things, transmitting a request to remove a charger from an electrified vehicle. The request is forwarded based on encrypted information in a charger request identifier of the electrified vehicle. An exemplary system for removing a charger includes, but is not limited to, an electrified vehicle charging port assembly that may transition from a locked to an unlocked position with a charger in response to a command. The system further includes a charger request identifier on the electrified vehicle. The charger request identifier includes encrypted information that allows a first user to initiate a transfer of a request for the command from a second user.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

This disclosure generally relates to requesting and authorizing removal of a charger from a charging port of an electrified vehicle. The removal is done so that another electrified vehicle can use the charger.

GENERAL PRIOR ART

Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because electrified vehicles are selectively driven using one or more electric machines powered by a traction battery. The electric machines may drive the electrified vehicles instead of an internal combustion engine or in addition to an internal combustion engine. Exemplary electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), fuel cell vehicle (FCV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV).

The traction batteries of some electrified vehicles may be charged from an external power source, such as a grid power source provided via a charging station. During charging of the traction battery based on the charging station, a charging device of the charging station can be electrically coupled to a charging port of the electrified vehicle. Some chargers may be locked to the charging port in an electrically coupled position, thereby preventing another electrified vehicle from using the charger for charging.

SUMMARY

A method of removing a charger according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, transmitting a request to remove a charger from an electrified vehicle. The request is forwarded based on encrypted information in a charger request identifier of the electrified vehicle.

Another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method includes scanning the charger request identifier to capture the encrypted information.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the transmission is initiated by a first user who wishes to use the charger. The request is forwarded to a second user who can unlock the charger from a position away from the electrified vehicle that is remote from the electrified vehicle.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the transmission is initiated by a first user who wishes to use the charger. The request is forwarded to a second user without revealing an identity of the second user to the first user.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the transmitting by the first user is initiated by a user device.

Another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes, in response to the request, receiving a command initiated by the second user causing the charger to unlock from the charging port.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the charger request identifier is a bar code.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the charger request identifier is positioned at or adjacent to a charging port of the electrified vehicle.

Another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes transmitting the request from a first user client device to a server configured to transmit the request to a second user client device.

Another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes, in response to the request sent to the second user client device, receiving a message to the first user client device indicating that the charger is unlocked or unlocked after a preset period of time.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of Prior methods, the request for removal includes a request for unlocking the charger from the electrified vehicle.

A system for removing a charger according to another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, an electrified vehicle charging port assembly that may transition from a locked to an unlocked position with a charger in response to a command. The system further includes a charger request identifier on the electrified vehicle. The charger request identifier includes encrypted information that allows a first user to initiate a transfer of a request for the command from a second user.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing system, the encrypted information of the charger request identifier is a bar code.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the encrypted information of the charger request identifier is a QR code.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the charger request identifier is positioned at or adjacent a charging port of the electrified vehicle.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the charger request identifier is positioned on an interior surface of a charging port.

In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the charger request identifier does not disclose to a first user viewing the charger request identifier any personal information about the second user, so that the second user receives a request to unlock the charger from the second user first user and remains anonymous when sending the command to the first user.

A system for removing a charger according to another exemplary aspect of any of the foregoing systems includes a first user client device that scans the encrypted information in the charger request identifier and initiates forwarding the request to a server.

A system for removing a charger according to another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing systems includes a second user client device that receives the request from the server.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, both the first user client device and the second user client device are handheld devices. The second user client device is configured to authorize the command in response to the request. The server sends the command to a vehicle client device to cause the charging port to transition from the locked to the unlocked position.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the following drawings, including all its various aspects or respective individual features, may be considered independently or in any combination with each other. Features described in connection with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, as long as such features are not incompatible.

list of figures

• 1 veranschaulicht einen Abschnitt eines elektrifizierten Fahrzeugs, das über ein Ladegerät elektrisch an eine Ladestation gekoppelt ist, und einen Abschnitt eines weiteren elektrifizierten Fahrzeugs, das nicht elektrisch an die Ladestation gekoppelt ist.
• 2 zeigt eine Nahansicht eines Ladeanschlusses des elektrifizierten Fahrzeugs aus 1, das elektrisch an die Ladestation gekoppelt ist.
• 3 zeigt eine Nahansicht eines einer Ladegerät-Anforderungskennung, die dem Ladeanschluss aus 2 zugeordnet ist.
• 4 veranschaulicht eine erste Benutzerclientvorrichtung, die eine Nachricht anzeigt, die einen ersten Benutzer dazu auffordert, eine Anforderung zum Entriegeln des Ladegeräts von dem elektrifizierten Fahrzeug aus 2 zu senden.
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines Systems zum Entfernen eines Ladegeräts gemäß einem beispielhaften Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung zusammen mit anderen Komponenten.
• 6 veranschaulicht die erste Benutzerclientvorrichtung aus 5, die eine erste Art von Nachricht anzeigt, die als Reaktion auf die Anforderung aus 4 gesendet wird.
• 7 veranschaulicht die erste Benutzerclientvorrichtung aus 5, die eine zweite Art von Nachricht anzeigt, die als Reaktion auf die Anforderung aus 4 gesendet wird.
• 8 veranschaulicht den Ablauf eines beispielhaften Verfahrens zum Entfernen eines Ladegeräts.

The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

• 1 Figure 12 illustrates a portion of an electrified vehicle electrically coupled to a charging station via a charger and a portion of another electrified vehicle not electrically coupled to the charging station.
• 2 shows a close-up view of a charging port of the electrified vehicle 1 , which is electrically coupled to the charging station.
• 3 shows a close-up view of a charger request identifier that the charging port 2 assigned.
• 4 FIG. 12 illustrates a first user client device displaying a message prompting a first user to make a request to unlock the charger from the electrified vehicle 2 to send.
• 5 FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a system for removing a charger according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure along with other components. FIG.
• 6 illustrates the first user client device 5 that displays a first type of message that is in response to the request 4 is sent.
• 7 illustrates the first user client device 5 that indicates a second type of message that is in response to the request 4 is sent.
• 8th illustrates the flow of an exemplary method for removing a charger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to requesting authorization to remove a charger from a charging port of an electrified vehicle. The request may be sent by a first user who wishes to use the charger. The request may be sent to a second user who can authorize the request and potentially initiate unlocking of the charger. The request can be made without revealing the identity of the second user to the first user.

With reference to 1 includes an electrified vehicle 10 a traction battery 14 , It is a charging station 18 shown which the traction battery 14 invites.

During charging, the charging station conducts 18 Power from a network power source 22 via a charger 26 to the first electrified vehicle 10 further. The charger 26 stands with a charging connector assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10 engaged to the charging station 18 electrically to the electrified vehicle 10 to pair.

The charging connector assembly 30 includes a lock 32 that the charger 26 can lock in a position in which the charger 26 electrically with the charging connector assembly 30 is coupled. The lock 32 can prevent an unauthorized user from charging the charger 26 from the charging connector assembly 30 away. The lock 32 may move back and forth between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to a command. One skilled in the art, and the use of this disclosure, would recognize a latch suitable for selectively locking the charger 26 in a locked position relative to the charging port assembly 30 suitable is.

In this exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the charger is 26 in an electrically connected to the charging connector assembly 30 locked position locked. Furthermore, the electrified vehicle 10 unattended.

In this example is the charging station 18 a shared charging station. Shopping centers, multi-storey car parks, workplaces, residential complexes, etc. often have shared charging stations. Adjacent parking near shared charging stations allows parking for more than one electrified vehicle nearby. If necessary, the charger can be moved back and forth between the parked electrified vehicles, provided that the charger of the charging station is unlocked.

1 also shows another electrified vehicle 10a next to the charging station 18 , A first user may want to buy a traction battery 14a of the electrified vehicle 10a using the charging station 18 load. As long as the charger 26 on the charging connector assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10 remains locked, the first user can use the traction battery 14a do not load. In other words, the first user is unable to charge the electrified vehicle 10a Start, unless the charger 26 is from the electrified vehicle 10 unlocked.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first user knows the identity of a second user of the electrified vehicle 10 is not assigned.

Well, referring to the 2 and 3 and continue with reference to 1 includes the electrified vehicle 10 a charger request identifier 34 , In this example, the charger request identifier is 34 on an inner surface of a charging port cover 38 attached, such as on a flat in the charging port cover 38 molded surface. In another example, the charger request identifier is 34 into the charging port cover 38 formed. In another example, the charger request identifier 34 be positioned in a region A which is adjacent to the location where the charger 26 with the charging connector assembly 30 engaged, but not on the charging port cover 38 , This placement could be useful if the electrified vehicle 10 no charging port cover 38 includes.

The exemplary charger request identifier 34 includes encrypted information 40a and text-based information 40b , In this example, the encrypted ones are information 40a to a Quick Response (QR) code. Although they are described as QR code, the encrypted information could 40a have other configurations, such as another type of matrix bar code or other type of bar code.

The text-based information of the example charger request identifier 34 specify "SCAN CODE TO REQUEST UNLOCKING." The text-based information 40b in the charger request identifier 34 show the first user of the electrified vehicle 10A that the first user received the encrypted information 40a should scan to unlock the charger 26 to request.

Well, referring to the 4 and 5 and further with reference to the 1 and 2 may be the first user of the electrified vehicle 10a the charger request identifier 34 using a client device 42 , here a smartphone, scan. Although described as a smartphone, the client device could 42 another type of device, such as a handheld device, a portable device, etc.

After scanning the charger request identifier 34 shows the client device 42 a message 46 which is the first user of the electrified vehicle 10a It prompts for a request to unlock the charger 26 from the charging connector assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10 initiate.

In this exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the client device sends 42 the request 50 as a wireless request to a server 52 that's the requirement 50 then to a client device 54 forwarded to the second user of the electrified vehicle 10 can access. In response to the request 50 shows the client device 54 the second user a message indicating that the first user unlocking the charger 26 from the charging connector assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10 requests.

In response to the request, the second user may interact with the client device 54 interact and an answer 58 back to the server 52 send that to a client device 62 for electrified vehicles within the electrified vehicle 10 is forwarded. The server 52 could be cloud-based or at least partially cloud-based.

The to the client device 62 answer sent for electrified vehicles 58 may be unlocking the charger 26 from the electrified vehicle 10 initiate. For example, the receipt of the answer could be 58 a control of the electrified vehicle 10 induce the latch 32 to instruct to move to an unlocked position.

The controller may be a control module of the electrified vehicle 10 act. The control module could include a processor and a memory section. The control module may be a stand-alone controller or integrated with a control module, such as a Battery Electronic Control Module (BECM). The control module could include multiple control modules in the form of multiple hardware devices or multiple software controls in one or more hardware devices. At least some parts of the control module could be located away from the vehicle in some examples.

The processor may be programmed to execute a program stored in the memory section. The processor may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among a plurality of processors associated with the control module, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing Be software instructions.

The memory section may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements. The program may be stored as a software code in the memory section. The program may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which has an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions that control the locking 32 in response to commands in the response 58 are assigned.

After the charger 26 unlocked, the first user can use the charger 26 from the charging connector assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10 remove and the charger 26 with a charging connector assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10a engage with loading the traction battery 14a to start.

It should be noted that the charger request identifier 34 does not disclose to the first user any personal information, such as identification information of the second user. Instead, the requirement 50 and the answer 58 exchanged anonymously between the first and second users.

In some examples, the response from the second user could include a part that is sent to the client device 42 is transmitted. The part can be the client device 42 cause to reveal a message, as in 6 showing the first user that the second user is unlocking the charger 26 has agreed and that the charger 26 is unlocked.

In some examples, the second user may request 50 to unlock the charger 26 received by the first user, but would like the charger 26 still in a locked position with the charging port assembly 30 of the electrified vehicle 10 leave. For example, the second user might be the charger 26 with the charging connector assembly 30 want to leave coupled when the second user additional charging the traction battery 14 needed.

In such situations, the answer might be 58 unlocking the charger 26 delay by a preset period of time. The charger 26 could be instructed to unlock after a delay of, for example, 20 minutes. The answer 58 could include a part attached to the client device 42 is transmitted and a message on the client device 42 triggers, as in 7 shown, indicating that the charger 26 unlocked after a delay.

In some examples, the second user might be delaying via the user device 54 to adjust. For example, the second user could extend the delay if more charge for the traction battery 14 is needed, or reduce the delay when the traction battery 14 approaches a desired state of charge.

In some examples, the second user and, optionally, the first user may be members of a closed group of electrified vehicle users who decide to provide their associated electrified vehicles with unlock request identifiers. Other users may be added to the closed group by logging in online to request an unlock request identifier specific to their electrified vehicle that contains information suitable for locating the user for responses to requests to unlock a charger.

The members of the closed group could be controlled and monitored over the internet. For example, an Internet Web site could provide a forum for users of electrified vehicles in which to communicate their willingness to participate in the method of removing a charger of the present disclosure without personal information, such as name, e-mail address, to other users , Phone number, etc., to communicate. The closed group may be assigned to employees of a particular company, residents of a particular housing estate, and so on.

Upon registration on the secure website, the user may be sent a charger request identifier that includes encrypted information specific to that user. The presence of the user's electrified vehicle identification then informs others of the user's participation in the closed group.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is a charger authorization method 100 in an exemplary embodiment, a method for requesting unlocking a charger. The procedure 100 starts at step 110 in which a charger request identifier associated with a locked charger is scanned, for example, by a user requesting unlocking. After scanning, the procedure goes 100 to a step 120 in which an unlock request is sent to an unlock authorizing user. The procedure 100 then go to a step 130 where the user authorizing the unlock decides whether to comply with the request or not.

If the user authorizing the unlock complies with the request, the procedure goes 100 to a step 140 in which a command to unlock the charger is sent to the electrified vehicle having the locked charger. The electrified vehicle having the latched charger then unlocks the charger in one step 150 ,

If the unlocking authorizing user at step 130 instead decides not to unlock the charger, goes the procedure 100 to a step 160 in which a message is sent to the user requesting the unlock or to a device associated with the user requesting the unlock. At one step 170 For example, the device associated with the unlocking requesting user displays the message that could indicate that the unlocking authorizing user has decided not to unlock the charger or that, for example, the charger will be unlocked after a certain delay.

The user authorizing the unlock can decide whether to comply with the request or not after checking the state of charge for his electrified vehicle. The unlock authorizing users may use an electrified vehicle monitoring app on a user device to obtain this information.

Features of some of the examples in this disclosure include a method and system for removing a charger that allows a first user of a first electrified vehicle to contact a second user associated with a second electrified vehicle having a latched charger. The communication occurs without the second user having to disclose or communicate identification information or other personal information to the first user. From a remote location, the second user may choose to unlock the charger or leave the charger locked without ever personally interacting with the first user.

The above description is exemplary rather than limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples, which do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the legal protection granted to this disclosure can only be ascertained by studying the following claims.

Claims (15)

A method of removing a charger, comprising: Transmitting a request to remove a charger from an electrified vehicle, wherein the request is forwarded based on encrypted information in a charger request identifier of the electrified vehicle. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 further comprising scanning the charger request identifier to capture the encrypted information. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 wherein the transmitting is initiated by a first user who wishes to use the charger, and the request is forwarded to a second user who can unlock the charger from a position away from the electrified vehicle, from a position away from the electrified vehicle. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 wherein the transmitting is initiated by a first user who wishes to use the charger, and the request is forwarded to a second user without revealing an identity of the second user to the first user, and optionally transmitting by the first user from a user device is initiated. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 4 and further comprising, responsive to the request, receiving a command initiated by the second user causing the charger to unlock from the charging port. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 wherein the charger request identifier is a bar code. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 wherein the charger request identifier is positioned at or immediately adjacent a charging port of the electrified vehicle. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 further comprising transmitting the request from a first user client device to a server configured to transmit the request to a second user client device, and optionally further comprising receiving a message at the first user client device in response to the request sent to the second user client device; indicating that the charger is unlocked or unlocked after a pre-set period of time. Removal procedure for a charger Claim 1 wherein the request for removal includes a request to unlock the charger from the electrified vehicle. A system for removing a charger, comprising: a charging terminal assembly of an electrified vehicle that can transition from a locked to an unlocked position with a charger in response to a command, and a charger request identifier on the electrified vehicle, wherein the charger request identifier includes encrypted information that enables a first user to initiate transmission of a request for the command from a second user. System for removing a charger after Claim 10 wherein the encrypted information of the charger request identifier is a bar code, and optionally, the encrypted information of the charger request identifier is a QR code. System for removing a charger after Claim 10 wherein the charger request identifier is positioned at or immediately adjacent a charging port of the electrified vehicle, and optionally wherein the charger request identifier is positioned on an interior surface of a charging port. System for removing a charger after Claim 10 wherein the charger request identifier does not disclose to a first user any personal information about the second user so that the second user may remain anonymous upon receiving the request to unlock the charger from the first user and when sending the command to the first user. System for removing a charger after Claim 10 further comprising a first user client device that scans the encrypted information in the charger request identifier and initiates the routing of the request to a server, and optionally further comprising a second user client device that receives the request from the server. System for removing a charger after Claim 14 wherein both the first user client device and the second user client device are hand held devices, wherein the second user client device is configured to authorize the command in response to the request, the server sending the command to a vehicle client device to the charging port to move from the locked to the unlocked position.

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